Farewell to Fall

{A random, haunting moment of loveliness on my commute home, demanding that I literally stop and "look at the light" pouring through a golden frenzy of foliage.}

After the rager of a Nor'Easter we had last month, I was slightly bummed that autumn activities were cut so abruptly, particularly apple-picking and trick-or-treaters.  However, the season certainly didn't fly by uncelebrated.  As Thanksgiving Eve is upon us, crisp and brisk, I'm bidding a bittersweet farewell to fall - with some favorite moments over the past few months.

{A favorite candle - which helped light our dark home during the storm - and a recent holiday-themed manicure.  Essie Nail Lacquer in Geranium and ancient Revlon in Firecracker.}

So, with a soundscape of tree removal crew trucks and the blink of an eye, peak foliage is over and the flurry of the Connecticut winter holidays has begun.  Happy Thanksgiving, and here's to an inspiring winter.

-xoxo

I Spy (Inspiration): H20 Redux

{A quirky bobble-head at a local store.}
The October Nor'Easter that recently hit Connecticut actually made national news, causing many of us to lose power for over 8 days and nights and wreaking havoc all across the state. I won't rehash it here, since I'm finally starting to feel more or less "back to normal" or at least not that we're on the precipice of death by freezing ... or depression .... or both. One bummer, however, was that Halloween, one of my preferred holidays (even though I never do much to celebrate), was put on indefinite hold. This October felt less like a glorious transitional month filled with scarlet and rust leaves against blue skies, and more like a brisk speed-rap punctuated by wet, heavy snow, a question mark and a rude slash.
Here are some little moments throughout the month that felt like sparks of light in the dark:
{Someone's amazing baby costume from Facebook -- sorry, don't know the source! She is too adorable, although she looks skeptical about the pragmatism of her outfit ....}

{Tchotchke decorative bottles for a spooky holiday display.}

{A self-manicure that was only minorly successful - tried to create an ombre effect with Milani nail lacquers, going from bronze to silver to gold, but the shades were a little too close. Still, a fun, shiny bit of nail-jewelry.}

{Dream chaise for my dream office - hot (but not garish) pink flocked velvet, lots of room, quilted reclined back. Can't you see some icy, Hitchcock blonde draped gracefully over this seat, gimlet in hand, makeup pristine? I would probably take it more down the path of mouth-breathing naps, but it would look so pretty, especially with dark, Gothic pillows and punky flourishes around the room. In the window's reflection, you can see my breakfast take-out box. So glamorous.}

{This manicure was another experiment in my color project. Revlon Nail Lacquer in Minted; Coach "Audrey" satchel in cornflower. In the past, pastel or light colors did nothing for me. These days, I love to play with them almost as unexpected neutrals. Still ecstatically in love with that handbag.}

{Lilu's tough-girl, rock-and-roll Halloween outfit, a striped sweater with a vinyl Jolly Roger on the back. I believe she felt more powerful in this get-up. Or mortified. Also, we've since vaccuumed.}

While my original autumn plans were certainly snowed out, and "peak New England foliage" is an aesthetically altered tableaux what with the fallen boughs that line every street, the storm made me stop to think about how much I appreciate - and take for granted - the not-so-little comforts, luxuries, and moments in my life. Luckily, color, design, and joyfulness pick right back up and prevail in adversity, making every-day life that much more beautiful. All we have to do is look around.

-xoxo